Fathers are just as likely as mothers to suffer postnatal depression and the risk is higher for younger men, an Australian study has found.

The study, published in Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology, found 9.7 per cent of fathers suffer postnatal depression in the first year of their child's life compared with 9.4 per cent for mothers.

Younger fathers are particularly vulnerable, with those aged under 30 facing a 40 per cent increased likelihood of developing depression.

The study was based on assessments of the mental health of fathers when their children were aged three to 12 months, two to three years, and four to five years old.

"Fathers are at risk of experiencing postnatal mental health difficulties, which may persist across the early childhood period for some fathers," the study says.

"The results suggest routine assessment of fathers' wellbeing should be undertaken in the postnatal period with mental health interventions and support provided across the early childhood period."

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A co-author Jan Nicholson, from the Parenting Research Centre in Melbourne, said fathers have become increasingly susceptible to mental health problems as they have taken on a more significant role in parenting.

"Increasingly there is a recognition that fathers are a key support for women with children," Professor Nicholson told ABC Online.

"This study shows, however, men are vulnerable too, because they are also lacking in sleep and juggling roles and responsibilities ... We need to be detecting at-risk fathers early and responding early, because we know [mental health issues] are harder to treat if they are prolonged."

The study says health screening for postnatal depression risk among new mothers should be extended to new fathers.

"It is recommended that routine screening for mental health difficulties also be extended to fathers in the postnatal period, and the capacity of practitioners working in early parenting settings strengthened to respond to the specific needs of fathers," it says.

"This may include public health messages about father wellbeing to normalise and promote help-seeking during this time of significant adjustment."